Presentation representing a briefing to the Outback Queensland Tourism Association Symposium and Awards, Roma Qld, 2nd November 2018

1. Outback Queensland Tourism Symposium and AwardsOutback Queensland Tourism Symposium and Awards
2nd November 20182nd November 2018
'Geotourism Developments in Australia''Geotourism Developments in Australia'
Angus M RobinsonAngus M Robinson
Chair, Geotourism Standing CommitteeChair, Geotourism Standing Committee
Geological Society of AustraliaGeological Society of Australia

2. Today’s AgendaToday’s Agenda
 Ecotourism and GeotourismEcotourism and Geotourism
 Geotourism, geoparks and regional developmentGeotourism, geoparks and regional development
benefits - the Australian experience so farbenefits - the Australian experience so far
 Geotrails and economic benefitsGeotrails and economic benefits
 Savannah Guides NetworkSavannah Guides Network
 Current status of geotourism in AustraliaCurrent status of geotourism in Australia
 Take-AwaysTake-Aways

3. Ecotourism and Geotourism ConceptsEcotourism and Geotourism Concepts
 Ecotourism is ecologically sustainable tourismecologically sustainable tourism
with a primary focus on experiencing naturalexperiencing natural
areasareas that fosters environmental and cultural
understanding, appreciation and conservation.
 But ecotourismecotourism per se is too narrowly defined and is
increasingly seen as a niche marketniche market, particularly
from a chinese perspective.
 However,'geotourismgeotourism is tourism which focuses on anis tourism which focuses on an
area's geology & landscape as the basis for providingarea's geology & landscape as the basis for providing
visitor engagement, learning and enjoyment'.visitor engagement, learning and enjoyment'.

4. GeotourismGeotourism (a(after Dowling, 2013)fter Dowling, 2013)
comprises the following features of natural & culturalcomprises the following features of natural & cultural
heritage:heritage:
1.1. AAbioticbiotic – non-living aspects such as the climate &– non-living aspects such as the climate &
geology e.g. landscape and landforms:geology e.g. landscape and landforms: GEODIVERSITYGEODIVERSITY
2.2. BBioticiotic – the living parts eg. fauna (animals) and– the living parts eg. fauna (animals) and
flora (plants):flora (plants): BIODIVERSITYBIODIVERSITY
3.3. CCulturalultural – past & present, non-living & built– past & present, non-living & built
Holistic in scope,Holistic in scope, geotourism is the key drivergeotourism is the key driver for Geoparks,for Geoparks,
Geotrails and even World Heritage Areas,Geotrails and even World Heritage Areas, and is booming globally!and is booming globally!

5. Geotourism incorporatingGeotourism incorporating
all types of ‘nature-based’ tourismall types of ‘nature-based’ tourism
Sightseeing
Cuisine
Agritourism
Indigenous
Tourism
Heritage
Tourism
Cultural
Tourism
ECOTOURISM
GeotourismGeotourism
i.e. ‘experientiali.e. ‘experiential
tourism’tourism’

6. 6
Geotourism – diversity of places

7. Geotourism Delivery MechanismsGeotourism Delivery Mechanisms
1.1. GeoparksGeoparks- both national and UNESCO global- both national and UNESCO global
2.2. GeotrailsGeotrails
3.3. GeologicalGeological Time WalksTime Walks

8. 8
Geotourism
is not
'geological tourism'

9. Georegions, Geotrails and GeoparksGeoregions, Geotrails and Geoparks
In large regional areas such as the Murchison in WesternIn large regional areas such as the Murchison in Western
Australia, the Mid West Development Commission and localAustralia, the Mid West Development Commission and local
councils are undertaking acouncils are undertaking a ‘georegional’ assessment‘georegional’ assessment includingincluding
the determination of the mostthe determination of the most viable geotourism deliveryviable geotourism delivery
mechanism availablemechanism available, which in the first instance is focused on, which in the first instance is focused on
geotrail developmentgeotrail development, and may lead to the i, and may lead to the identification ofdentification of
an area suitable for geopark developmentan area suitable for geopark development, subject to State, subject to State
Government approval.Government approval.

10. GeoparksGeoparks
Geoparks areGeoparks are both aboth a
developmentdevelopment conceptconcept
as well as aas well as a brandingbranding
tooltool.. They achieveThey achieve
these goals throughthese goals through::
1.1.ConservationConservation
2.2.EducationEducation
3.3.GeotourismGeotourism

11. Geoparks vs National ParksGeoparks vs National Parks
 Unlike World Heritage Areas and national parksUnlike World Heritage Areas and national parks,,
Global GeoparksGlobal Geoparks can embracecan embrace both protected andboth protected and
any resource extraction areas,any resource extraction areas, focusing onfocusing on
sustainable development objectives.sustainable development objectives.
 Global GeoparksGlobal Geoparks focus onfocus on community engagementcommunity engagement
and ownership.and ownership.
 Whilst national parks are created in perpetuity,Whilst national parks are created in perpetuity, thethe
status of global geoparks are reviewed every 4status of global geoparks are reviewed every 4
yearsyears..
 In AustraliaIn Australia, national parks focus generally only on, national parks focus generally only on
biodiversity at the expense of geological heritage.biodiversity at the expense of geological heritage.

12. Socio-Economic Benefits of Geopark DevelopmentSocio-Economic Benefits of Geopark Development
1.1. Measurable economic benefits -Measurable economic benefits - additional visitors, direct &additional visitors, direct &
regional economic output, household income & wages, andregional economic output, household income & wages, and
local employment.local employment.
2.2. Through establishment of a management entity,Through establishment of a management entity, higher levelhigher level
of centralised coordinationof centralised coordination in areas of product development,in areas of product development,
travel and hospitality services, tourism promotion/branding.travel and hospitality services, tourism promotion/branding.
3.3. Maximisation of sustainable development and management ofMaximisation of sustainable development and management of
'over tourism''over tourism'/e.g. emerging issue in Tasmania./e.g. emerging issue in Tasmania.
4.4. Provides aProvides a framework for focus on the 10 UNESCO Topicsframework for focus on the 10 UNESCO Topics e.g.e.g.
culture, education, climate change, geoconservation,culture, education, climate change, geoconservation,
sustainable development etc.sustainable development etc.
5.5. Through its defined mission,Through its defined mission,community engagement iscommunity engagement is
maximised and measured.maximised and measured.

13. UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARKSUNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARKS
IISS A GEOPARK JUST ABOUT GEOLOGY?A GEOPARK JUST ABOUT GEOLOGY?
No!No! While a geopark must demonstrate geological heritage of internationalWhile a geopark must demonstrate geological heritage of international
significance,significance, the purpose of a geopark is to explore, develop and celebrate thethe purpose of a geopark is to explore, develop and celebrate the
links between that geological heritage and all other aspects of the areas natural,links between that geological heritage and all other aspects of the areas natural,
cultural and intangible heritagescultural and intangible heritages. It is about reconnecting human society at allIt is about reconnecting human society at all
levels to the planet we all call home and to celebrate how our planet and it’slevels to the planet we all call home and to celebrate how our planet and it’s
4,600 million year long history has shaped every aspect of our lives and our4,600 million year long history has shaped every aspect of our lives and our
societies.societies.
UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areassingle, unified geographical areas
where sites and landscapes of international geological significanceinternational geological significance
are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education andmanaged with a holistic concept of protection, education and
sustainable developmentsustainable development.

14. 14
UNESCO Global Geoparks
[140 in 38 countries]
Europe [69]
China [37]
Canada [3]
Brazil
Uruguay
Morocco
Japan [9]
MexicoIran
Indonesia [4]
Tanzania

15. Australia’s 16 National Landscapes – ‘Scenic Areas’Australia’s 16 National Landscapes – ‘Scenic Areas’

16. Warrumbungle
Etheridge
Cairns
Australia’s Pre-Aspiring UNESCO GlobalAustralia’s Pre-Aspiring UNESCO Global
Geopark Development Efforts, 2017/2018Geopark Development Efforts, 2017/2018

17. Status of Pre-Aspiring UNESCO Global GeoparksStatus of Pre-Aspiring UNESCO Global Geoparks
 Pre-Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark proposals arePre-Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark proposals are
those undergoing assessment to obtain community &those undergoing assessment to obtain community &
government supportgovernment support PRIOR to any applicationPRIOR to any application..
 EtheridgeEtheridge Scenic Area is a ‘defacto geopark’ and isScenic Area is a ‘defacto geopark’ and is
nownow NOTNOT subject to any assessment process.subject to any assessment process.
 TheThe WarrumbungleWarrumbungle Pre-Aspiring UNESCO GlobalPre-Aspiring UNESCO Global
GeoparkGeopark proposal has been abandonedproposal has been abandoned and insteadand instead
a strategy to engage with the GSNSW to develop ana strategy to engage with the GSNSW to develop an
alternative geotourism strategyalternative geotourism strategy for the Region willfor the Region will
now be considered by the three Councils.now be considered by the three Councils.

18. Community Raised Issues – Etheridge ProjectCommunity Raised Issues – Etheridge Project
1.1. National Parks, indigenous groups, the Savannah Guides, andNational Parks, indigenous groups, the Savannah Guides, and
residents of townships are very supportiveresidents of townships are very supportive, because they, because they
understand the economic benefits of tourism.understand the economic benefits of tourism.
2.2. However,However, agricultural, small scale mining groups & gemstoneagricultural, small scale mining groups & gemstone
fossickers not supportivefossickers not supportive with a vigorous programwith a vigorous program
implemented to dissuade Council from finalising theimplemented to dissuade Council from finalising the
applicationapplication because a Global Geopark upsets the status quo!because a Global Geopark upsets the status quo!
3.3. Issues raised were essentially fears of UNESCO control, moreIssues raised were essentially fears of UNESCO control, more
environmental regulation and increased levels of tourism.environmental regulation and increased levels of tourism.
4.4. The labels ofThe labels of UNESCO, GEOPARK, EcotourismUNESCO, GEOPARK, Ecotourism etc raised aetc raised a
range of concerns and fears.range of concerns and fears.

19. Etheridge ‘Defacto’ Geopark, QueenslandEtheridge ‘Defacto’ Geopark, Queensland
Comprising theComprising the entire Shire ofentire Shire of
EtheridgeEtheridge, and including areas, and including areas
of outstanding volcanic andof outstanding volcanic and
mining heritage - some 40,000mining heritage - some 40,000
sq km in area.sq km in area.
Embracing 1.7 billion years ofEmbracing 1.7 billion years of
geological history.geological history.
Only 950 people, mainly cattleOnly 950 people, mainly cattle
farmers.farmers.

20. Etheridge Scenic Area – A ‘Defacto’ GeoparkEtheridge Scenic Area – A ‘Defacto’ Geopark
 GeositesGeosites –– In abundance, with Undara as a global icon.In abundance, with Undara as a global icon.
 Geo villagesGeo villages –– Four small townships, all with communityFour small townships, all with community
engaged geosites (including agate, sapphire and gold fields);engaged geosites (including agate, sapphire and gold fields);
key establishedkey established ecotourism resortsecotourism resorts of Undara & Cobboldof Undara & Cobbold
Gorge.Gorge.
 GeotrailsGeotrails –– The Savannah Way (The Savannah Way (Lava tubes, Gems and GorgesLava tubes, Gems and Gorges
TrailTrail) with connections to nearby mining heritage locations.) with connections to nearby mining heritage locations.
 National ParksNational Parks –– Undara Volcanic Park & six other park areas.Undara Volcanic Park & six other park areas.
 TerrEstrial Mineral/Fossil MuseumTerrEstrial Mineral/Fossil Museum–– Most significant mineralMost significant mineral
museum in Qld.museum in Qld.
 ManyMany heritage mining sitesheritage mining sites & small gold mining operations& small gold mining operations
underscores Etheridge’s status of one Australia’s mostunderscores Etheridge’s status of one Australia’s most
diversified mineralised areas.diversified mineralised areas.

21. ..

22. Kalkani Cone, UndaraKalkani Cone, Undara

23. Undara Lava TubesUndara Lava Tubes

24. Newcastle RangesNewcastle Ranges

25.  State of New South Wales:State of New South Wales: GeoTreat supported ‘GeoJourney’ in theGeoTreat supported ‘GeoJourney’ in the
Australian Coastal Wilderness National Landscape.Australian Coastal Wilderness National Landscape.
 State of Victoria:State of Victoria: Volcano Discovery Trail (Kanawinka related).Volcano Discovery Trail (Kanawinka related).
 State of Western Australia:State of Western Australia: Various geotrail project proposals (e.g.Various geotrail project proposals (e.g.
Murchison, Coolgardie) and potential ‘geopark concept’ opportunitiesMurchison, Coolgardie) and potential ‘geopark concept’ opportunities
 State of SouthAustralia:State of SouthAustralia: is not actively progressing any geopark potentialis not actively progressing any geopark potential
projects, but is very keen to support the development of geotrails andprojects, but is very keen to support the development of geotrails and
geotourism through exceptional geological heritage, especially throughgeotourism through exceptional geological heritage, especially through
Kangaroo Island and the Flinders Ranges National Landscapes.Kangaroo Island and the Flinders Ranges National Landscapes.
 State of Tasmania:State of Tasmania: West Coast ‘Living Earth’ – CradleCoast GeoTrail.West Coast ‘Living Earth’ – CradleCoast GeoTrail.
 Northern Territory:Northern Territory: Potential Geotrails (Red Centre, Savannah Way).Potential Geotrails (Red Centre, Savannah Way).
Cobbold Gorge

26. Talaroo Hot Springs – Ewamian Aboriginal CorporationTalaroo Hot Springs – Ewamian Aboriginal Corporation

27. Geotrail Characteristics -Geotrail Characteristics -
A First DefinitionA First Definition
‘A Geotrail delivers geotourism experiencesA Geotrail delivers geotourism experiences
through a journey linked by an area'sthrough a journey linked by an area's geologygeology
and landscapeand landscape asas the basis for providing visitorthe basis for providing visitor
engagement, learning and enjoyment’.engagement, learning and enjoyment’.

28. Why Geotrails?Why Geotrails?
1.1. Relates directly to the tourism experience of aRelates directly to the tourism experience of a
journey linking destinationsjourney linking destinations..
2.2. In Australia, unlike geoparks,In Australia, unlike geoparks, geotrails havegeotrails have
widespread appealwidespread appeal, and do not compete with or, and do not compete with or
impact on land management/access issues.impact on land management/access issues.
3.3. Geotrails are relatively easy to establish andGeotrails are relatively easy to establish and
represent arepresent a very cost effective means of enhancingvery cost effective means of enhancing
regional developmentregional development..
4.4. Can form the basis of a 'defacto geopark'.Can form the basis of a 'defacto geopark'.

29. Best Practice GeotrailsBest Practice Geotrails
1.1. Should be constructed aroundShould be constructed around routes currently usedroutes currently used
by touristsby tourists; geotrails should form logical journeys; geotrails should form logical journeys
linking accommodation destinations.linking accommodation destinations.
2.2. ShouldShould meld the geological heritage features of ameld the geological heritage features of a
region with a cohesive STORY.region with a cohesive STORY.
3.3. ShouldShould incorporate and package in the biodiversityincorporate and package in the biodiversity
and cultural components (including mining heritage)and cultural components (including mining heritage)
of the region through which the geotrail traverses.of the region through which the geotrail traverses.
4.4. Supported bySupported by leading edge interpretationleading edge interpretation aids.aids.

30. Current & Potential Major Geotrail Projects in AustraliaCurrent & Potential Major Geotrail Projects in Australia
1.1. TasmaniaTasmania - Living Earth- Living Earth
2.2. QueenslandQueensland - Savannah Way, Dig the Tropics,- Savannah Way, Dig the Tropics,
Boulder Opal (Western Queensland)Boulder Opal (Western Queensland)
3.3. Victoria/SA - Kanawinka, Great Ocean RoadVictoria/SA - Kanawinka, Great Ocean Road
4.4. South Australia - Brachina Gorge,South Australia - Brachina Gorge, Great CentralGreat Central
Geotrail ProposalGeotrail Proposal
5.5. Western AustraliaWestern Australia - Murchison Proposal- Murchison Proposal
6.6. Northern TerritoryNorthern Territory - Red Centre Way, Savannah Way- Red Centre Way, Savannah Way
7.7. New South Wales -New South Wales - Volcano Geotrail ProposalVolcano Geotrail Proposal
Plus a wide range of smaller, dedicated geotrials
along walking tracks, old rail easementswalking tracks, old rail easements etc. being
developed in NSW, Tasmania, Qld, WA and SA.

31. 31
•
Identify a geoscience theme
•
Tell a simple story incorporating 'A' + 'B' +'C'
elements
•
Use engaging stories, descriptions and graphics
•
Deliver supporting information in a range of ways
•
Collaborate
•
Link to related features based on science and
culture
Desired outcomes
•
increased visitor numbers and regional economic
growth
•
a broader community understanding of science,
and in particular, geoscience.
Keys to success - Warrumbungles Geotrail

32. Island of Tasmania
Australia’sAustralia’s Red Centre National LandscapeRed Centre National Landscape

34. Iconic Geotourism Themes ofIconic Geotourism Themes of
Australia’s Red Centre National LandscapeAustralia’s Red Centre National Landscape
 AA:: Landforms and common geological heritageLandforms and common geological heritage
 BB:: Red Kangaroo species, and other typeRed Kangaroo species, and other type
flora/faunaflora/fauna
 CC:: Indigenous (and European) cultureIndigenous (and European) culture

35. Exemplar: Port Macquarie Coastal Geotrail, NSWExemplar: Port Macquarie Coastal Geotrail, NSW
"The collaborative geotrail project has been led by theThe collaborative geotrail project has been led by the University ofUniversity of
NewcastleNewcastle (A)(A) & supported by& supported by Port Macquarie-Hastings CouncilPort Macquarie-Hastings Council,, thethe
Geological Survey of NSWGeological Survey of NSW (A)(A),, NSW National Parks and Wildlife ServiceNSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
(B)(B) && Birpai Local Aboriginal Land CouncilBirpai Local Aboriginal Land Council (C)(C).. Supported by aSupported by a
brochure, website & smartphone appbrochure, website & smartphone app,, the Port Macquarie Coastalthe Port Macquarie Coastal
Geotrail is a four kilometre walk from Shelly Beach to Rocky BeachGeotrail is a four kilometre walk from Shelly Beach to Rocky Beach
thatthat tells the storytells the story of plate tectonics & how the Earth’s crust wasof plate tectonics & how the Earth’s crust was
formed along the stretch of coastline over the past 460 million years".formed along the stretch of coastline over the past 460 million years".

36. ‘The Living Earth’ – Cradle Coast Geotrail

37. ‘The Living Earth’ – Cradle Coast Geotrail

38. Marketing & Promotion - Living Earth GeotrailMarketing & Promotion - Living Earth Geotrail
The following markets & strategies will give the GeoTrailThe following markets & strategies will give the GeoTrail the best chance ofthe best chance of
achieving an increase in visitor stops & stays and associated revenue.achieving an increase in visitor stops & stays and associated revenue.
• engage the local communitiesengage the local communities of the Trail to build pride and referrals toof the Trail to build pride and referrals to
family, friends and visitors through involvement in content development,family, friends and visitors through involvement in content development,
familiarisations, progress reporting and ongoing promotion.familiarisations, progress reporting and ongoing promotion.
• engage the existing visitor marketengage the existing visitor market to increase the number of stops ando increase the number of stops and
stays through the development and promotion of online communicationsstays through the development and promotion of online communications
and a downloadable free mobile app.and a downloadable free mobile app.
• engage relevant specialist groups in the Trailengage relevant specialist groups in the Trail experienceexperience through use ofthrough use of
specific publications and newsletters.specific publications and newsletters.
• engage the potential education marketengage the potential education market through the development andthrough the development and
promotion of a regional education package involving the Trail and otherpromotion of a regional education package involving the Trail and other
relevant experiences.relevant experiences.

39. The Proposed Savannah Way Geotrail linked to the then Pre-Aspiring
Etheridge UNESCO Global Geopark

40. KANAWINKA GEOTRAIL
Volcanics landscapes, with 60 key geositesVolcanics landscapes, with 60 key geosites
located within intensive farming areaslocated within intensive farming areas

41. Jinguashi Gold Ecological Park, Taiwan
Chillagoe Smelters Heritage Site, FarNQChillagoe Smelters Heritage Site, FarNQ

42. Chillagoe Smelters Heritage TrailChillagoe Smelters Heritage Trail

43. Jinguashi Gold Ecological Park, Taiwan
Herberton Mining Centre and Walking TrailsHerberton Mining Centre and Walking Trails

44. storic Site, NSW - National Parks and Wildlife Service

45. Geotourism and the Savannah Guides Network

46. Savannah Guides at Work, Undara Lava Tubes

47. Hon Ian Hunter MLC, then SA Minister forHon Ian Hunter MLC, then SA Minister for
Sustainability, Environment & ConservationSustainability, Environment & Conservation
“Geotourism is (also) an emerging market that SouthGeotourism is (also) an emerging market that South
Australia is especially well placed to cater forAustralia is especially well placed to cater for, with, with
megafauna fossils at the World Heritage Naracoortemegafauna fossils at the World Heritage Naracoorte
Caves, evidence of the world’s earliest animals inCaves, evidence of the world’s earliest animals in
the Flinders Ranges, and stunning geologicalthe Flinders Ranges, and stunning geological
formations in parks like the Gawler Ranges,formations in parks like the Gawler Ranges,
Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges, and the ice-age gemVulkathunha-Gammon Ranges, and the ice-age gem
of Hallett Cove right on Adelaide’s doorstep.”of Hallett Cove right on Adelaide’s doorstep.”
Opening address to Global Eco, Adelaide, 27 November 2018Opening address to Global Eco, Adelaide, 27 November 2018

48. Take-Aways - Geopark Development in AustraliaTake-Aways - Geopark Development in Australia
 More focusMore focus needs to be appliedneeds to be applied to communicatingto communicating
the ‘georegionalthe ‘georegional’ nature of geoparks.’ nature of geoparks.
 More work is needed to overcomeMore work is needed to overcome perceived fearsperceived fears
about the detrimental impact of geoparksabout the detrimental impact of geoparks on otheron other
existing land users such as miners and farmers.existing land users such as miners and farmers.
 Geopark proposalsGeopark proposals must be supported by Geologicalmust be supported by Geological
Survey communitiesSurvey communities..
 More time must be allowedMore time must be allowed to gain communityto gain community
engagement/support to ensure geoparkengagement/support to ensure geopark
sustainability.sustainability.
 Need toNeed to compile and promote quantifiable data andcompile and promote quantifiable data and
analysis to establish socio-economic benefit.analysis to establish socio-economic benefit.

49. Take-AwaysTake-Aways
Major Geotourism Development in AustraliaMajor Geotourism Development in Australia
 More focusMore focus needs to be appliedneeds to be applied to communicatingto communicating
the ‘georegionalthe ‘georegional’ nature of geotourism.’ nature of geotourism.
 Preferred focus first onPreferred focus first on geotrailgeotrail developmentdevelopment
 Any emerging geopark proposalsAny emerging geopark proposals must be supportedmust be supported
by Geological Surveys, also true in Queensland.by Geological Surveys, also true in Queensland.
 More time must be allowedMore time must be allowed to gain communityto gain community
engagement/support to ensure geoparkengagement/support to ensure geopark
sustainability.sustainability.
 Need toNeed to compile and promote quantifiable data andcompile and promote quantifiable data and
analysis to establish socio-economic benefit.analysis to establish socio-economic benefit.
 Australia needs to have in place aAustralia needs to have in place a NationalNational
Geotourism Strategy.Geotourism Strategy.

50. Contact DetailsContact Details
angus@leisuresolutions.com.auangus@leisuresolutions.com.au
Tel: + 61 418 488 340Tel: + 61 418 488 340
http://www.leisuresolutions.com.au/index.php/geotourism-industry-groups/http://www.leisuresolutions.com.au/index.php/geotourism-industry-groups/
Information about Australian Geotourism and Geopark Development Activities:Information about Australian Geotourism and Geopark Development Activities:
https://tinyurl.com/yb7yceyhhttps://tinyurl.com/yb7yceyh